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Minister Paradis Concludes Successful Trip to Asia

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 16, 2013) - Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, concluded a week-long visit to Tokyo and Hong Kong, where he met with business and government leaders to promote Canada as an important trading partner and an attractive destination for foreign investment.

"Economic Action Plan 2013 marks the next chapter in our government's commitment to bolster confidence, growth and job creation by maintaining a sound fiscal position," said Minister Paradis. "This work reflects a truth about our country: Canada is open for business. We will continue to promote Canada as a premier place to invest."

Minister Paradis met with executives from the auto and aerospace industries in Tokyo and Hong Kong to discuss investment opportunities in Canada. The automotive industry is the largest manufacturing sector in Canada and is a crucial driver of Canada's economic growth, employing about 465,000 Canadians, directly and indirectly. Canada's aerospace sector is a global technology leader, a major source of high-quality jobs, and among the most research-intensive industries in Canada.

Attending meetings in both cities allowed the Minister to discuss opportunities for information and communications technology (ICT) collaboration with Canada. The Minister also attended the International ICT Expo in Hong Kong, where he sat down with innovative Canadian companies doing business abroad. ICT is an important sector in Canada; it is a key driver of economic growth and technological innovation in Canada's economy.

"Our government has undertaken the most ambitious trade expansion plan in our country's history and Canada is at its core a trading nation. As new wealth continues to be created, it is imperative to keep goods, capital and people flowing freely. Simply put, trade creates prosperity, growth and high-quality jobs," said Minister Paradis. "Canada's tax treaty with Hong Kong and our Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements are just two examples of what our government is doing to enhance trade and investment relationships with important markets around the world."

Contact Information

Margaux StastnyDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Honourable Christian ParadisMinister of Industry613-995-9001